Here’s a Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole recipe — a fun, hearty Tex‑Mex inspired layered casserole with seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tater tots that cooks up easily in your crockpot. It’s set‑and‑forget comfort food! (Amanda’s Cookin’)
🥘 Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole
Ingredients (Serves ~6–8)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 oz (about 1 packet) taco seasoning
- Water (add the amount recommended on the seasoning packet)
- 32 oz (≈900 g) frozen tater tots (don’t thaw)
- 16 oz (450 g) sour cream
- 8 oz (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, green onions, hot sauce (Persnickety Plates)
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker:
Grease your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray. Add a layer of frozen tater tots on the bottom — this will cook into a crispy base. (Persnickety Plates) - Brown the beef:
In a skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the ground beef with onion and bell pepper until the meat is browned and vegetables soften. Drain excess fat. (Persnickety Plates) - Season the meat:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet (usually ~⅓–⅔ cup). Stir and cook a few minutes until it thickens slightly. (Persnickety Plates) - Layer the casserole:
Pour the seasoned beef mixture over the layer of tater tots. (Persnickety Plates) - Mix the creamy layer:
In a bowl combine sour cream, half the shredded cheddar, garlic powder (if using), plus salt and pepper to taste. Spread this mixture over the beef layer. (Persnickety Plates) - Slow cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for ~6 hours or HIGH for ~4 hours until the tater tots are cooked through. (Persnickety Plates) - Melt the cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for about 10–15 minutes before serving. (Persnickety Plates) - Serve:
Garnish with diced tomatoes, fresh jalapeño slices, green onions, and a little hot sauce if you like some heat. (Persnickety Plates)
Tips & Variations
- Spicier kick: Swap bell pepper for jalapeño or use pepper jack cheese. (The Magical Slow Cooker)
- Add veggies: Mix in corn or beans with the beef for extra color and nutrition. (Food Republic)
- Extra creaminess: Stir a little mayo into the sour cream mix if you want a richer sauce. (reddit.com)
Would you like a baked oven version of this casserole too? (It has a biscuit or Bisquick crust if you prefer baking over slow cooking.)
